Events Sept 26-29: Great Apes, The Peacock Room, Immigrants and Revolutionists, and Talking About Andy

Monday, September 26 Great Ape Research Demonstration

What can researchers learn from orangutans and gorillas? Come visit the National Zoo to meet a cognitive researcher and learn about the crucial role of these great apes in discoveries made about behavior and the cognitive sciences. Free. This kid-friendly demonstration is held daily at 1:30. National Zoo, Think Tank

Tuesday, September 27 The Peacock Room: Renowned and Reinstalled

In 1908, Charles Lang Freer bought the Peacock Room, a masterpiece of interior decorative Anglo-Japanese art, and transported it to his mansion in Detroit, adding to it his legendary collection of china and Asian art. At the Freer Gallery, the Peacock Room is one of the museum’s centerpieces. For the first time, the room has completely been restored to its 1908 condition. As part of this event, art historian Linda Skalet will discuss Freer’s significance as a major American art collector in the early 20th century. Then, curator Lee Glazer will discuss Freer’s innovative approach to collecting Asian art and the behind-the-scenes details of curating it. The event is $30 for Smithsonian Resident Associates Members, $40 for the general public. 6:45 to 9 p.m. Freer Gallery, Peacock Room.

Wednesday, September 28 Immigrants and Revolutionists

The National Portrait Gallery is having a Pop Quiz. Don’t worry about studying for it, just come and answer trivia questions based on the museum’s collection. This month, the topic of the multimedia game will be the history of immigration in America and the roles immigrants have played in our country’s history. This “After Five” event is for participants ages 18 and up. Free, with snacks and refreshments available for purchase at the Courtyard Cafe. National Portrait Gallery, Kogod Courtyard

Thursday, September 29 Talking about Andy

Join one of the world’s foremost art historians and critics of modern art for an evening talk about Andy Warhol. Hal Foster, who serves as the chair of the Department of Art and Archaeology at Princeton University, has written several works on Andy Warhol, and his book, The First Pop Age: Painting and Subjectivity in the Art of Hamilton, Lichtenstein, Warhol, Richter, and Ruscha, will be published next month. See the newly opened “Shadows” exhibition featuring Warhol’s landmark 102-panel work, then come to the talk, entitled “They Were All Diseased: Distress in Warhol, Early and Late.” Free. 7 p.m. Hirshhorn Museum, Ring Auditorium

Joseph Stromberg | | READ MORE

Joseph Stromberg was previously a digital reporter for Smithsonian.